KINGSTON, Jamaica – More than 70 schools across the island are benefiting from the expanding Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Ambassador Programme.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Scientific Research Council (SRC), which seeks to promote the interest, awareness and understanding of science and technology among Jamaica’s school population.

Executive Director (SRC), Dr Charah Watson said that approximately 98 individuals have been inducted into the voluntary programme.

“These are persons who want to help shape the future. They serve as a valuable resource to schools in supporting different initiatives and activities,” Dr Watson said.

The STEM Ambassador programme was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic and allows industry experts and retirees to mentor youngsters through science and technology clubs.

It targets students at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels and has the national imperative of increasing the number of students pursuing STEM education.

Under this initiative, ambassadors engage students through career talks, practical workshops, and other avenues, while enjoying network opportunities.

“Ideally, we want to see the STEM Ambassador programme become more like service clubs, where the SRC would be the charter organisation, and ambassadors in different regions could collaborate and develop their programmes to support schools. We want them to operate somewhat independently, but guided by the SRC, so we can have maximum efficiency and effectiveness,” the Executive Director explained.

The SRC is seeking to provide every school in Jamaica with a STEM ambassador and accepts applications all year round.

Interested persons can reach out to the SRC for more information by calling 876-927-1771.

-JIS